Korean Populism: A Historical Perspective

In Korean history, the evidence of populism’s impact on significant political and social changes is well noted. Korea’s new populism (i.e., modern populist movements after 1960s) followed the historical patterns that have been developed in Korean history. They represent the individual and organized actions of people who are often left out from the key decision-making processes of privileged classes. Such examples are not only in modern history against the ruling authorities but also vigorous protest movements against foreign invasions. The purpose of this study is to discuss populism in Korea. It examines anti-elitism and people-centrism in the history of Korea. It examines seven important events in Korea: Mongolian Resistance Movement, Righteous Soldiers Movement, Donghak Movement, March First Movement and beyond, 4.19 Student Revolution, Democratic Movement, and Candlelight Demonstration. All these movements are common in that people outside of the mainstream elite world made differences in history, although not all successful in their historical contexts.